The main focus of my research is developmental and comparative immunology using amphibian model systems. Currently, my laboratory is pursuing a number of questions concerning the development of the immune system and the nature of innate and adaptive immune defenses in frog skin. Understanding the immune defense mechanisms of amphibians has taken on increased importance in recent years because of the urgent problem of global amphibian declines.
One focus of my research is the study of antimicrobial peptides in frog skin in defense against bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. Currently, we are using growth inhibition assays to test the ability of purified antimicrobial peptides to interfere with growth of specific pathogens that have been associated with global amphibian declines. Another aspect of the project will be to isolate active peptide fractions from the skin of affected and unaffected frog species to determine whether some species have better peptide defenses against specific pathogens than other species.
Little is known about the conventional adaptive immune response against Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a skin pathogen associated with global amphibian declines. Our ongoing studies have shown that B. dendrobatidis releases factors which inhibit lymphocyte responses. Future research will investigate the specific mechanisms by which this fungus escapes immunity.